Important 084 / 087 number changes

Effective June 2014 you will need to have replaced many of your 084 and 087 (and where applicable 09) numbers alternatives in order to remain compliant with new laws.

In October 2011 the EU passed The Consumer Rights Directive (CRD) with the aim of simplifying consumer rights in certain important areas. It became UK law in December 2013 and comes into force across the EU in June 2014.As a result of this UK businesses cannot incur their existing customers (your customers which are classed as consumers only, it does not apply customers that are businesses) costs beyond a local rate call to contact them. There are some exceptions but essentially consumers calling them for support, service or billing must be able to do so without paying more than the local rate. This change is mandatory from Friday June 13th 2014.In practice this means that 084 (including 0845) /087 and 09 numbers are prohibited and you should advertise an 01, 02 or 03 number, a mobile number or a freephone number for business-to-consumer business. For more background to this, including the list of exempted industries, please see the PhonePayPlus guidance. 03 numbers represent a natural alternative where a geographic number (01/02) is not appropriate. SureVoIP do not charge a monthly rental for 03 numbers and have a wide choice of 03 Platinum Numbers. Naturally, geographic numbers can be allocated for the appropriate area and again, Platinum Numbers are available for instant purchase through our website. It is important to note that all 01 / 02 / 03 numbers should be similarly in-bundle and therefore there is no end-user disadvantage or gain if an 03 is chosen over a geographic, and vice-versa.We cannot advise on your legal obligations but if you have any queries regarding alternative numbers, please do not hesitate to contact us.